Results

Aerobic and Anaerobic performance

4 studies were examined.

- 1 study showed no difference in time to exhaustion between the two groups, however oxygen consumption was higher in the vegetarian group

- 3 studies found no difference in anaerobic performance during repeated sprint tests, maximal oxygen consumption and rate of perceived exertion.

Resistance training

3 studies were examined

- All studies found no significant difference in strength or power between lacto-ovo vegetarian (consumed eggs and diary) and omnivorous group. Both groups showed increase in strength, power and area size of type II muscle fibres.

Conclusion

Based on current research there doesn't appear to be any difference in vegetarian or omnivore diet on physical performance.

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References:

Lynch et al. (2018) Plant-Based Diets: Considerations for Environmental Impact, Protein Quality, and Exercise Performance.

Craddock et al. (2016) Vegetarian and omnivorous nutrition: comparing physical performance.